Rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. Many rear-end accidents in Maryland and throughout the U.S. are caused when one motorist fails to leave enough distance between his vehicle and the one in front of him or her. Drivers who tailgate other cars can generally be held legally responsible for the consequences of the collisions they cause, including medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.

If you have been in a car accident caused by tailgating, contact our Silver Spring car accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan for legal representation. We are here to help if another driver negligently causes an accident. We can review your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries during a risk-free, no obligation consultation.

Why Is Tailgating So Dangerous?

Tailgating is dangerous for a number of reasons and is typically deliberate. A driver may follow a vehicle too closely because he or she is impatient or believes he or she can slow down quickly enough to avoid a crash.

This dangerous driving habit can cause a serious accident. If the vehicle in front of the motorist suddenly stops, the tailgating driver may not have enough time to stop. Additionally, he or she may be driving too fast and have limited time to slow down, which can result in a high-speed crash and more severe injuries.

Tailgating is also dangerous because it can cause the driver being tailgated to feel intimidated, leading to stress and the inability to concentrate while on the road. Being tailgated is also seen as an invasion of space which can cause road rage. The driver being tailgated might intentionally slam on his or her brakes out of anger.

How to Avoid a Tailgating Accident

Motorists can take certain steps to minimize the likelihood of being involved in an accident caused by tailgating, including the following:

  • Keep a safe following distance – Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you can stop in time if the driver suddenly brakes in front of you. A general rule is to allow 10 feet of distance for every 10 mph you are driving. For instance, if you are traveling at 30 mph, there should be 30 feet of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Leave extra space for commercial vehicles because they take more time to stop.
  • Drive at an appropriate speed – Drive at a speed that will provide you sufficient time to stop safely behind the car in front of you. This includes lowering your speed when driving in poor roadway conditions and heavy traffic in order to give you more time to react.
  • Double your distance in bad weather – If there are any weather conditions that affect your driving or visibility, such as rain, snow, ice or fog, double the distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you.

Maryland law requires the following in regard to following distance:

  • Motorists cannot follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonably safe.
  • Motorists must consider the speed of the vehicle and other traffic as well as road conditions when determining a safe following distance.

Set up a Consultation with an Attorney Now to Learn More

By maintaining a safe following distance, you may be able to avoid a terrible car accident. However, other drivers may not operate their vehicles as safely and may cause you serious injury if they crash into the back of your car.

If you were injured in a rear-end collision caused by someone else tailgating you, an experienced car accident attorney at Goldberg Finnegan is prepared to help you pursue maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.